High bacteria levels found off Hilton Beach

NEWPORT NEWS — A swimming advisory is in place at Hilton Beach due to high bacteria levels.

Bacteria levels exceeded state water quality standards in a sample collected Wednesday at a fishing pier and small beach area in the Hilton Village area of Newport News, said Dave Jordan, environmental health manager of the Peninsula Health District. Samples collected Thursday were also over the limits.

A sign will be posted at the beach warning people about the advisory, which is in effect until further notice. Samples will be collected again on Monday because bacteria levels fluctuate, Jordan said.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using "indicator organisms" such as enterococci. The organisms help determine the extent of fecal contamination. They do not cause illness, but their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms, the health department said.

Swimming or playing in water with bacteria levels exceeding certain levels have an increased risk of gastrointestinal illness, the health department said.

This is the second time this season that Hilton Beach tested over the limit. The first was June 10. None of the other four areas the Peninsula Health District monitors have exceeded the limit this season, Jordan said.

The most common sources of bacteria are feces from waterfowl, pets and other wildlife, he said.